Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearney, MO (2024 Update)

  • Kearney Solar Installation Cost: $17,135
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,766
  • Payback Period: 13.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kearney

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Kearney.

In Kearney, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Kearney, the average price of going solar will be about $17,135 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Kearney can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Kearney, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Kearney

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,749
3 years$-12,976
5 years$-10,204
7 years$-7,431
9 years$-4,659
11 years$-1,886
13 years$887
15 years$3,659
17 years$6,432
19 years$9,204
21 years$11,977
23 years$14,749
25 years$17,522

Top Solar Installers in Kearney

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're looking for a solar company in Kearney, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Kearney

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kearney

For many Kearney homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kearney, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,370.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Kearney homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much you pay. Kearney’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.50$14,720$12,48513.5 years
8 kW$3.44$19,249$17,02413.3 years
10 kW$3.37$23,590$21,75213.0 years
12 kW$3.30$27,742$26,66912.7 years
14 kW$3.24$31,705$31,77412.5 years
16 kW$3.17$35,479$37,06812.2 years
18 kW$3.10$39,065$42,55112.0 years
20 kW$3.03$42,462$48,22311.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Kearney, MO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kearney?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Kearney?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Kearney. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Kearney?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Kearney?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.